Document type: technical report published in EFSA supporting publications
Authors: European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), Julia Kondrashova, Chiara Fabris, Yves Van der Stede, Denise Candiani
Abstract in French (translation): Risk assessment activities related to extreme traits in cats and dogs: exchange with the EFSA network on animal welfare
The European Council recently adopted a proposal for a regulation on the welfare and traceability of dogs and cats. In this context, the European Food Safety Authority has begun preparatory work in anticipation of potential future mandates and organized a specific discussion on extreme traits in cats and dogs during the 2026 network meeting on animal welfare . National risk assessment activities related to extreme traits in cats and dogs, as reported by network representatives, are listed in this report. The information gathered indicates that national activities involving the use of animal-based measures to identify, assess, or monitor the welfare implications associated with these extreme traits remain limited. The national institutions responsible for these risk assessments vary from country to country and may include relevant public agencies, academic or research institutions, and private-sector organizations.
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The European Council recently adopted a proposal for a Regulation on the welfare and traceability of dogs and cats. In this context, the European Food Safety Authority started preparatory activities for potential future mandates and organized a dedicated discussion concerning extreme features in cats and dogs during the 2026 Animal Welfare network meeting. National risk assessment activities on extreme features in cats and dogs reported by Network representatives are listed in this report. The information collected indicates that national activities involving the use of Animal-Based-Measures to identify, assess or monitor the welfare consequences associated with such extreme features remain limited. The national institutions conducting these risk assessments vary among countries and may involve competent public bodies, academic or research institutions and private-sector organizations.
Download the report (.pdf)
